Stopping at the Taranaki Kiwi Trust stall at the local A&P Show turned into a life changing event for Kevin Stokes after talking with Sue Hardwick-Smith.
“I only got involved because I ran into Sue one day at the Stratford A&P show. They had a stand there and I got talking with her. I said yea I don’t mind coming out as a volunteer and helping you.”
Four years later and he is hooked. He admits that it is something he enjoys doing as he shares the experience with others.
“One of the enjoyments of it really is seeing the kids’ faces. To see their faces’ as they get a chance to hold these birds is priceless.
“It is just something that I have an interest in and I’ve got the time to do it. While I am fit enough to do it I will keep doing it.”
Right from his first trip Kevin has been interested in helping save our national icon.
“The first time I went out it was an egg lift with Sid Marsh. I went out a few more times and then it just took off from there.
“I enjoy it because I can do it on my own. For the monitoring I just come and go as I want to.
“It also means I have been able to share the field work with Sue which leaves her time to do the administration side of things as well.”